Scale and scanner system

ABSTRACT

A scale and scanner system includes a controller to control operation of the scale and scanner system. A scale calibration parameter memory for storing scale calibration parameters is coupleable to the controller. A scanning module and a scale module are coupleable to the controller. When the controller is not coupled to the scanning module or scale module, the scale calibration parameter memory remains in the system.

BACKGROUND

Points of sale at a retail location may use a combination scanner andscale to both weigh items (e.g., produce) and scan bar codes onmerchandise for sale. Using a laser or imaging device in both horizontaland vertical windows of the scanner, the user (e.g., clerk, consumer)can move the merchandise past one or more of the windows to read the barcode printed on the exterior of the merchandise and reflect back to alight sensor. If one is purchasing something by weight instead of a barcode, the user places the merchandise on the scale that provides ameasured weight to a controller. The user can then input a price perpound into the controller using a keyboard or keypad for the controllerto generate a total price for the item.

Most jurisdictions require the retail scales to be calibrated in orderto ensure that their measured weights are accurate and consistent. Thecalibration may require special equipment and/or authorized (e.g.,licensed) technicians to perform the calibration. Whenever the scannerrequires servicing, the scanner and scale unit is removed from the pointof sale system in order to repair or replace faulty printed circuitboards or perform any other repairs. Whenever the scale is removed fromthe system, it should be recalibrated prior to being used again. Thisresults in an expense and down time for the retailer to not only repairthe system and pay for recalibration but the point of sale system is outof commission while waiting for an authorized technician to perform therecalibration.

SUMMARY

Devices and methods for operation of a scale and scanner system includea controller to control operation of the scale and scanner system. Ascale calibration parameter memory stores scale calibration parametersand is coupleable to the controller. A scanning module and a scalemodule are coupleable to the controller. When the controller is notcoupled to the scanning module or scale module, the scale calibrationparameter memory remains in the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a top right elevational view of an embodiment of the scaleand scanner system.

FIG. 2 shows a top right elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1with a top plate removed to expose parts of the scale module

FIG. 3 shows a top right elevational view of the scanner module.

FIG. 4 shows a back and bottom elevational view of the scanner module ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a top right elevational view of a scale and scanner systemchassis with pivot extension supports.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show top right elevational views of the scale andscanner system rotating with the pivot mechanisms for service.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded diagram of an embodiment of the scale module.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a controller of a scaleand scanner system.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for scaleservicing.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for servicing thescale and scanner system.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When a scale and scanner system is serviced and the scale is removedfrom the retail checkstand, the scale typically needs to be recalibratedafter the scale servicing has been completed and before the checkstandcan be put back into service. Thus, the checkstand is unusable by theretailer until it can be recalibrated.

The recalibration may entail an authorized (e.g., licensed) technicianwith specialized equipment having to perform the recalibration process.The retailer not only loses use of the scale and scanner system while itis being serviced and waiting for recalibration but also has the expenseof the recalibration process.

The disclosed scale and scanner system provides a two-part rotatablescale and scanner system that enables the scale module to be pivoted forservicing without removing the scale from the checkstand. Since thescale is not removed from the system, it does not need to berecalibrated.

In another embodiment, the scale calibration data may be stored in scalecalibration parameter non-volatile memory (e.g., electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory) that iselectrically coupleable to but physically separate from the scanner'scontroller board. For example, the non-volatile memory may be located ina cable that connects the scale to the scale and scanner system. Inanother embodiment, the non-volatile memory may be located on the scalemodule. This enables the calibration data to stay with the scale whenthe controller board is removed for servicing or replacement or thescale module is removed from the checkstand.

FIG. 1 shows a top right elevational view of an embodiment of the scaleand scanner system. Such a scale and scanner system may be inserted intoa checkstand at a retail location. A customer or clerk can use thescanner to scan bar codes printed or affixed to merchandise. The scalecan be used to weigh merchandise (e.g., produce) that is sold by a unitweight. The clerk can then key in the price per unit weight to generatethe total price for the item.

The scale and scanner system includes a chassis 105 that holds thevarious components of the system. The chassis may be constructed ofmetal (e.g., steel) to provide rigid support for the scale module whichmay result in improved accuracy, as compared to plastic, due to reducedtemperature induced side loads from materials expanding and contractingat different rates. The chassis fits into an opening in the checkstand(not shown) that may further include a cash register and payment system(e.g., card reader, near field communication (NFC) device) coupled tothe scale and scanner system.

A scanning module 120 includes a tower 107 that has a vertical opticalscanner 109. A top plate 100 is shown with an opening for a horizontaloptical scanner 103 that is part of the scanning module 120. As shownsubsequently, the top plate 100 rests on a scale module and is used tohold the merchandise to be weighed.

The scanning module 120 includes the horizontal and vertical opticalscanners 103, 109 for scanning bar codes. A barcode (e.g., linear, 2D)is a visual pattern in which is encoded information readable by amachine. Barcodes can be used for a variety of reasons includingtracking products, prices, and stock levels for centralized recording ina computer software system.

The most common bar code, the UPC (Universal Product Code), is a linearbarcode made up of two parts: the barcode and a 12-digit UPC number. Thefirst six numbers of the barcode is the manufacturer's identificationnumber. The next five digits represent the item's number. The lastnumber is called a check digit which enables the scanner to determine ifthe barcode was scanned correctly or not. In contrast, a 2D barcode ismore complex and can include more information in the code such as price,quantity, web address, or image.

The optical scanners 103, 109 may use either laser-based scanners orimage-based scanners. For example, a laser-based scanner comprises anillumination source, a sensor, and a decoder. The illumination sourcecan include a light source (e.g., laser) and a reciprocating mirror or arotating prism to scan a laser beam from the laser back and forth acrossthe bar code. The optical scanners 103, 109 “scan” the black and whiteelements of a barcode by illuminating the code with the laser beam, thereflected light from the bar code is detected by the light sensor thatgenerates an analog signal representative of the received reflectedlight. The analog signal is sent to a decoder for conversion into a datasignal that represents the encoded data of the bar code. The data signalis delivered by the scanning module to a computer software systemholding a database of the maker, cost, and/or quantity of allmerchandise sold.

An image-based scanner uses a camera to take an image of the bar code. Alight source (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) are coupled with aseries of stationary mirrors that reflect the light generated by theLEDs. The imaging scanner scans the black and white elements of abarcode by illuminating the code with the LEDs. The reflected light fromthe barcode is detected by the camera sensors (e.g., CMOS image sensor)that delivers a mono or color digital image to the scanner processingsystem. The processing system identifies the barcode data that wascaptured in the images and converts the image data to bar code data.

FIG. 2 shows a top right elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1with the top plate 100 removed to expose parts of the scale module. Thisview shows a plurality of scale module supports 201, 202, 203, 204. Thetop plate 100 of FIG. 1 rests on these supports 201-204 so that theweight of the merchandise on the top plate is transferred to the scalemodule supports 201-204. Thus, the scale module senses this downwardpressure on the scale sensors and translates that pressure into theweight of the merchandise. Four supports 201-204 are shown in FIG. 2 forpurposes of illustration. Other embodiments may use different quantitiesof supports 201-204.

The scale module itself is covered by a debris guard 200 to preventdamage to the scale module. The debris guard includes an opening (e.g.,circular hole) to enable each respective scale module support 201-204 toextend through and be exposed. The scale module 700 is shown anddiscussed subsequently in FIG. 7.

FIG. 2 further shows a pivot mechanisms 240, 241 that enables thescanning module 120 to be rotated for servicing without removing thescale module from the checkstand. The scanning module 120 is configuredto pivot about the pivot mechanisms 240, 241. As shown and describedsubsequently, the pivot mechanisms 240, 241 each comprise a respectivepivot extension and a respective pivot support in which each respectivepivot extension rests.

To hold the scanning module 120 in place during operation of the scaleand scanning system, one or more retention fasteners 250, 251 (e screws,bolts) may be used. The retention fasteners 250, 251 are insertedthrough holes of the scanning module 120 and into the chassis 105. Theholes in the scanning module 120 enable the retention fasteners 250, 251to thread into the chassis 105 in order to secure the scanning module120 to the chassis 105 and prevent the scanning module 120 fromrotating. When servicing is desired, the retention fasteners 250, 251are loosened or removed, thus allowing rotation of the scanning module120.

FIG. 3 shows a top right elevational view of the scanning module 120.The scanning module 120 comprises the tower 107 that includes thevertical optical scanner 109 for scanning vertically held bar codes. Aglass window covers the vertical optical scanner 109.

The horizontal optical scanner 103 is positioned in the bed of thescanning module 120 for scanning horizontally held bar codes. Thehorizontal optical scanner 103 is also covered by a glass window toprevent damage to the optics of the system. The vertical and horizontaloptical scanners 103, 109 may both comprise a substantially similaroptical scanner as described previously.

The scanning module 120 further includes pivot extensions 320, 321 thatare part of the pivoting mechanism 240, 241. These pivot extensions 320,321 may be relatively small cylindrical extensions that extendhorizontally along an axis from the bed of the scanning module 120 andin the plane of the bed. Rotation preventing tabs 300, 301 extendhorizontally in the plane of the bed of the scanning module 120 and in adirection that is perpendicular to the axis of the pivot extensions 320,321. The rotation prevention tabs 300, 301 engage the bottom surface ofthe debris guard 200 of FIG. 2 so that the scanning module 120 isprevented from over-rotating in an opposite direction from the rotationdirection used to service the scanning module 120.

A scale connection port 310 provides a connector that mates directlywith or through a cable to the scale module. An expansion port 311provides another connector for connecting various modules in order toexpand the capabilities of the scale and scanner system.

FIG. 4 shows a back and bottom elevational view of the scanning module120 of FIG. 3. This view shows the tower 107 that holds the verticaloptical scanner 109. A controller 400 (e.g., digital control board) islocated on the bottom of the scanning module 120. A functional blockdiagram of the controller 400 is shown in FIG. 8 and discussedsubsequently. A board cover 401 is shown in an open position to exposethe controller 400 underneath.

The rotation preventing tab 301 is shown extending from the scanningmodule 120 in the plane of the bed. This view also shows the pivotextension 321 that extends along the axis through both pivot extensions320, 321 of FIG. 1,

One or more input/output (I/O) ports 420, 421 are located on the back ofthe scanning module 120. These ports may be electrically coupled to thecontroller 400 and provide expansion of the capabilities of the scanningmodule 120 and/or scale module 700.

FIG. 5 shows a top right elevational view of a scale and scanner systemchassis 105 with pivot extension supports 500, 501. The pivot extensionsupports 500, 501 extend perpendicular to the chassis 105 and are partof the pivoting mechanism 240, 241 as shown in FIG. 2.

The pivot extension supports 500, 501 each comprise a respective pair ofsupport extensions 520, 521 and 522, 523. Each pair of supportextensions 520, 521 and 522, 523 forms a respective semi-circularopening 524, 525 between their respective support extensions 520, 521and 522, 523. The semi-circular openings 524, 525 each receives arespective cylindrical pivot extension 320, 321 that rests on the pivotextension support 500, 501 in the respective opening 524, 525. Thus, thesemi-circular openings 524, 525 enables the cylindrical pivot extension320, 321 to rotate within its respective pivot extension support 500,501.

The chassis 105 further includes a plurality of scale module mounts 510,513. The scale module mounts 510-513 not only support the scale modulebut also provide holes into which a fastener may be inserted in order tosecure the scale module to the chassis 105.

The chassis 105 may further include a front flange 530 and a rear flange531. The front and rear flanges 530, 531 may provide mounting surfacesfor mounting the scale and scanner system in the checkstand. The tower107 of the scanning module 120 may also rest on the front flange 530when it is rotated for servicing, as seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show top right elevational views of the scale andscanner system rotating with the pivot mechanisms 240, 241 for service.The retention fasteners 250, 251 have been loosened or removed so thatthe scanning module 120 is now free to rotate about the pivot mechanisms240, 241. The tower 107 of the scanning module 120 initially rotates ina counter-clockwise rotation as viewed from the perspective of FIGS. 6Aand 6B. As the scanning module 120 pivots, a scale cable 600 is exposedand is allowed to unfold. If the cable 600 is not long enough to allowcomplete rotation of the scanning module 120, the cable 600 can bedetached to allow complete movement of the scanning module 120.

As seen in FIG. 613, the scanning module 120 has been completely rotatedsuch that the tower 107 rests on the front flange 530. This exposes thebottom of the scanning module 120 so that the board cover 401 may beopened to expose the controller 400 for servicing. The rotation of thescanning module 120 also exposes any I/O cables in I/O cable guides 630that may be under the scanning module 120. Thus, the scanning module cannow be serviced or removed and replaced without removal of the scalemodule as covered by the debris guard 200.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded diagram of an embodiment of the scale module.The scale module 700 is shown with the scale module supports 201-204.The scale module 700 may also include any circuitry and connectionsnecessary to detect the pressure on the supports 201-204 and convertthat pressure to a representative weight. The scale module 700 rests onthe scale module mounts 510-513 of the chassis 105.

A connector 710 on the scale module 700 mates with a connector 711 on ascale module bottom cover 708. These connectors 710, 711 provides thescale module with an electrical connection to the scale module cable 600with its connector 701 that connects to the controller 400 of thescanning module 120.

Non-volatile scale calibration parameter memory 703 may be part of thiscable 600. When the scale module is calibrated, the calibrationparameters are stored in the non-volatile scale calibration parametermemory 703. If the scanning module 120 is removed for servicing (withthe controller 400), the non-volatile scale calibration parameter memory703 remains with the system. When the scanning module 120 and itscontroller 400 is returned from servicing, the calibration data can thenbe read from the non-volatile scale calibration parameter memory 703 andloaded back into the controller memory. In another embodiment, thenon-volatile scale calibration parameter memory 703 is mounted elsewherein the system but still separate from the controller 400.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a controller of a scaleand scanner system. The system is shown communicating with a paymentsystem 835 for purposes of illustration only. The payment system 835 maybe separate from the scale and scanner system or part of the scale andscanner system.

A processing unit 802 may include one or more processors or othercontrol circuitry. For example, the processing unit 802 may include oneor more central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, and/ordedicated controllers (e.g., application specific integrated circuits(ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA)). For purposes ofillustration, the processing unit 802 is shown as part of the controller400. However, other embodiments may have multiple processors that arenot physically located on the controller board. For example, thecontroller 400 may control both the scanning module 120 and the scalemodule 700. In another embodiment, the scale module 700 may have aseparate processor with associated memory.

Memory 804 may include any type of long or short term data storage. Forexample, the memory 804 may include semiconductor memory such as randomaccess memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or flash memory (e.g.,solid state drive (SSD)). The memory 804 may also include magnetic diskmemory (e.g., hard disk drive (MD)), optical memory, or magnetic tapememory.

The memory 804 may store instructions 150 that make up one or moreapplications executable by the processing unit 802. The memory 804 mayalso store scale calibration parameters 153 that are generated by thescale calibration process. The memory 804 and processing unit 802 arepart of the controller 400 for the scale and scanner system. Thus, thescale calibration parameters 153 stored in the memory 804 are removedwith the controller 400 when the controller 400 or the scanning module120 is serviced.

Separate non-volatile scale calibration parameter memory 800 is coupledto the processing unit 802 and memory 804 through a bus 850. Thenon-volatile scale calibration parameter memory 800 separately storesthe calibration parameters generated during the calibration process.These parameters are also stored in the memory 804 of the controller400. In an embodiment, the non-volatile scale calibration parametermemory 800 may also store any system configuration parameters for thescale and scanner system.

The non-volatile scale calibration parameter memory 800 is physicallylocated in a location of the system other than the controller board 400.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the non-volatile scalecalibration parameter memory 800 may be located in the scale cable 600or the scale module bottom cover 708. Thus, the separate non--volatilescale calibration parameter memory 800 remains with the system if thescanning module 120 and/or the controller board 400 is removed.

For purposes of illustration, the processing unit 802 and memory 804 areshown as part of the controller 400. However, other embodiments may havemultiple processors and other memory that are not physically located onthe controller board. For example, the controller 400 may control boththe scanning module 120 and the scale module 700. In another embodiment,the scale module 700 may have a separate processor with associatedmemory or simply a separate processor that communicates over a bus withthe controller memory 804.

The system further includes the scanning module 120 and the scale module700 that are coupled to and controlled by the controller 400. Thescanning module 120 and scale module 700 may be electrically coupled tothe controller board 400 using a bus structure or a plurality ofseparate electrical connections.

A user interface 818 may include any number of devices that allow a userto interface with the system. Examples of user interfaces 818 mayinclude a keypad, a keyboard, a microphone, or a touchscreen display.The user (e.g., customer, retail clerk) may use any one or more of theuser interfaces 818 to provide user inputs to an application executingon the controller 400.

A communications unit 822 with antenna 823 enables the system tocommunicate over a wired or wireless channel with another computingdevice, computer server, or network (e.g., local area network, wide areanetwork, personal area network). For example, the communications unit822 may include radios for communicating over a wireless channel usingany radio access technology (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, cellular, nearfield communications (NFC)), Ethernet cards for using Ethernet protocolsover a wired channel, or near-field communications modules. Radios inthe communications unit 822 may transmit and receive over the antenna823 coupled to the communications unit 822. The communications unit 822may be used for transmitting retail data, such as customer paymentinformation, to the payment system 835.

The calibration process includes adjusting the scale measurements usinga set of specially calibrated weights that have been determined to beaccurate. The calibration may be performed using kilograms, pounds, orboth.

To start the calibration process, the controller is placed in acalibration mode. The scale controller then requests (e.g., aurally oron display) that a certain weight be placed on the scale top plate. Thescale measures this weight and determines the difference between whatwas measured and what weight was expected. This difference is the scalecalibration parameter for that particular weight and is stored inmemory. Once that particular weight is calibrated, the scale informs theuser to place a particular different weight, from the set of weights, onthe top plate. The difference is again determined between the measuredweight and the expected weight. This difference is also stored as ascale calibration parameter. This process is repeated for multipleweights to generate a plurality of scale calibration parameters. Oncethe calibration process is complete, the scale is placed back into theoperational mode.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for scaleservicing. In block 901, a calibration is performed on the scale moduleto generate the scale calibration parameters. In block 903, the scalecalibration parameters are stored in controller memory and scalecalibration parameter memory. The scale calibration parameter memory isphysically separate from the controller and the controller memory. Block905 determines if the controller with the controller memory has beenremoved or serviced. If the controller and controller memory has not beremoved or service, the process continues to wait until it is. If thecontroller and controller memory has been removed or serviced, the scalecalibration parameters are retrieved from the separate scale calibrationparameter memory after the controller memory has been returned to thesystem in block 907.

In block 909, if the scale calibration parameter memory is empty, acalibration process is triggered. In block 911, if the scale calibrationparameter memory is missing or the data corrupt, an error message istriggered. This message may be displayed on a system display or testequipment coupled to the system, if the scale calibration parametermemory comprises valid data, in block 913 the scale calibrationparameters are loaded from the scale calibration parameter memory to thecontroller memory and used to calibrate the scale module.

In an embodiment, the system configuration may be stored in the scalecalibration parameter memory. The system configuration parameters may beused to program a communication protocol of the scanner/scale to thepoint of sale (POS) equipment, enable or disable specific bar code types(e.g., Code 128, Code 39, QR code), enable external device support,choose weight type used (e.g., kilogram, pound), or enable a securityfeature.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for servicing thescale and scanner system. In block 1001, the retention fasteners areremoved so that the scanner module is able to rotate within the pivotmechanisms. In block 1003, the scanner module is rotated to expose thecontroller comprising the controller memory. The rotation of the scannermodule includes rotating in a direction that disengages the rotationpreventing tabs from a surface of the system (e.g., debris shield) sothat the scanner module can rotate.

In block 1005, the controller is serviced without removing the scannermodule from the system. In an embodiment, the scanner module and thecontroller may be serviced without removing either the scanner module orthe controller from the system, thus the calibration parameters mayremain in the controller memory.

It will be readily understood to those skilled in the art that variousother changes in the details, material, and arrangements of the partsand method stages which have been described and illustrated in order toexplain the nature of the inventive subject matter may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and scope of the inventive subject matteras expressed in the subjoined claims.

1-5. (canceled)
 6. A scale and scanner system comprising: a controllerconfigured to control operation of the scale and scanner system; scalecalibration parameter memory coupleable to the controller and configuredto store scale calibration parameters; a scanning module coupleable tothe controller; and a scale module coupleable to the controller whereinwhen the controller is not coupled to the scanning module or scalemodule, the scale calibration parameter memory remains in the system. 7.The scale and scanner system of claim 6, further comprising a chassisconfigured to hold the scanning module and the scale module.
 8. Thescale and scanner system of claim 7, wherein the scanning module isrotatably coupled to the chassis with pivot mechanisms.
 9. The scale andscanner system of claim 8, wherein each pivot mechanism comprises: apivot extension coupled to and extending from the scanning module; and apivot extension support coupled to and extending from the chassis. 10.The scale and scanner system of claim 9, wherein the pivot extensionsupport comprises a pair of support extensions forming a semi-circularopening between the support extensions.
 11. The scale and scanner systemof claim 10, wherein the scanning module is rotatably coupled to thechassis by: a first pivot extension extending from a first side of thescanning module; a second pivot extension extending from a second sideof the scanning module, the first side being opposite to the second sideand the first and second pivot extensions aligned along an axis; a firstpivot extension support extending from the chassis; and a second pivotextension support extending from the chassis; wherein the first pivotextension rests in the semi-circular opening of the first pivotextension support and the second pivot extension rests in thesemi-circular opening of the second pivot extension support.
 12. Thescale and scanner system of claim 11, wherein the chassis furthercomprises rotation preventing tabs extending from the scanning module.13. The scale and scanner system of claim 6, further comprising a scalecable configured to couple the scale module to the controller, whereinthe scale calibration parameter memory is located on the scale cable.14. The scale and scanner system of claim 6, wherein the scalecalibration parameter memory is physically separate from the controller.15-20. (canceled)